Tank bag vs tail bag

[Pumba]

Ok people I started my new job today and thankfully im allowed to comute on my bike to this one, however going to work to day I straped a bag with the essentials (lunch, change of pants and shoes etc.) on the back with bungies (sp). This was cool and it worked but I was woundering if I would be better off looking at a tank bag or tail bag.

Now I have heard a few bad stories about magnetic tank bags scratching the crap out of peoples tanks, and from the stories about how thin the paint is on the SV this wouldent be a good thing.

And looking a the tail packs they look a bit more complicated to put on, and I have short legs so with somthing on behind throwing my leg over gets harder, I manage but it is more akward.

So people that have used a tank bag, a tail bag, or both give me your opinion, or maybe I should just stick with the bag and bungies.

Might put a poll up as well.

[Karma]

Tank bags are sweet, decent ones have a scratch-proof lining on the bottom to stop it messing up the tank.

[Hitcher]

Without having a decent look at the arse on your SV, it's hard to know whether or not a tailbag will work with its array of bungeys and hooks. A tailbag will also impede your ability to get your leg over. I'd go for a tankbag, and if you need additional storage, go for a decent set of throw-over panniers (not the Ventura ones).

[McJim]

I prefer a tank bag coz I prefer a tank bag - it's a personal preference kinda thing coz I can't easily get my leg over since my knee got munted by a car...but enough of my personal problems.

[imdying]

Now I have heard a few bad stories about magnetic tank bags scratching the crap out of peoples tanks, and from the stories about how thin the paint is on the SV this wouldent be a good thing.

Yep, the paint on the SV is beyond pathetic. Don't put a tank bag on it... And make sure the tail bag doesn't rub on the rear panels, or it'll fuck them inside of 1000kms. Learn from my mistakes, don't do it.

[Clivoris]

Without having a decent look at the arse on your SV, it's hard to know whether or not a tailbag will work with its array of bungeys and hooks. A tailbag will also impede your ability to get your leg over. I'd go for a tankbag, and if you need additional storage, go for a decent set of throw-over panniers (not the Ventura ones).

I used an oxford tailbag on my SV. Nice size for day trips. Just had to make sure that I put some scuff-stuff in the right places to prevent bungy-rub. Tank bags can be convenient but even if it has material that wont scratch the tank, it is inevitable that crud will get caught in there one day and give it a scratch.
Edit: SV paint is total shite.

[imdying]

Without having a decent look at the arse on your SV, it's hard to know whether or not a tailbag will work with its array of bungeys and hooks.

Hooks are all good on the SV, you have a grab rail and some bungee luggage hook thingys on the rear peg mounts Or at least mine did

[R1madness]

I like tank bags. Simple and easy to use, mostly waterproof. Dont get in the road when short pricks like me go to get on (unlike tail bags) A good coat of top quality wax (like mothers or maguires) sometimes will help prevent scratches. Or take your tank to a professional paint shop and get them to give it a THICK coat of clear (should only cost about $100). That way you can polish out any minor scuffs.

[James Deuce]

Go to the $2 Shop. Buy a roll of that anti-slip netting you put under a rug. The matting is made of alientech grippy rubber.

Buy a tank bag. Cut a piece of netting off the roll that is roughly the same size but slightly bigger than the "footprint" of the tank bag. Et voila, a non-slip anti-scratch pad. Replace as necessary.

[arj127]

every day, and find it very easy to use and not obtrusive. Sometimes it is a little small and may have to also carry a backpack if i need to take something extra to work. The bag has not scratched my tank at all.

Why dont you remove the tank and have a signwriting company put the clear protective sticker on the tank. Should stop the scratches and is totally removable later on when you sell the bike.

[madandy]

As above, treat the tank with a coating or have it painted properly with a couple of coats of clear to boot. Tank bags rock, IMHO.

[arj127]

that couple of coats of clear.

[Insanity_rules]

I have a expandable motoline tank bag and its the second best thing I EVER bought for the bike. It's never scratched the paint and it also attaches to the tail if I want it to. Plus you'd be amased what you can fit in it. I get my lunch, wet weather pants, shoes, notebook, cd case, disc lock, bags wet weather cover, sunglasses, pen drive, mobile phone and assorted other work stuff in it without even expanding it.

Another pleasent surprise, it blocks a bit of headwind to the chest. (I ride a naked bike).

Don't know much about SV paint but if its anything like my mates GSX then a good coat of wax would be the order of the day. Her GSX scratches when you even look at it funny.

[NinjaBoy]

For commuting everyday a Tailpack will be a hassle. Too much to strap and hook on. Good for day trips and yeah you have to master the "Ninja" kick move to get on the bike.

I commute almost everyday and use a small backpack .... I carry my laptop (+ accessories), lunch and waterproof (PVC) pants. I leave a pair of shoes at work.

[twinkle]

Givi luggage box thingamy beats them all for me. Waterproof, I can store my helmet in it and I can leave it on the bike if I want to. If I really try I can fit my helmet, gloves and riding jacket into it
It does spoil the looks of my gn a bit though